Battle for survival vs greed: Strict action demanded
While the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic inspired many to come together to fight, it couldn’t stop some from indulging in unethical practices such as black-marketing of medical necessities, hoarding and cheating in the name of Covid-19 supplies.
Delhi Police recently raided a few prominent restaurants and confiscated over 500 oxygen concentrators, along with fake MRP stickers.
City’s eminent personalities call for strict action against the perpetrators of such acts when Delhi-NCR is reeling under its worst crisis ever.
AD SINGH, RESTAURATEUR THE HUGE SHORTAGE OF MEDICAL SUPPLIES IN THE CITY, INCLUDING OXYGEN CONCENTRATORS, CYLINDERS AND KEY MEDICINES, HAS LED TO A ROARING BLACK MARKET AND SCAMS.
“Some have stockpiled and are selling equipment and materials at exorbitant prices. It is making a difficult situation even worse and the law needs to act strictly,” says AD Singh, managing director and co-founder, Olive Group of Restaurants.
Victim of a similar fraudulent incident, Singh recalls, “My mother-inlaw was tested positive for Covid-19 while the rest of us tested negative. Ten days later, a doctor and the collection agents at a lab were arrested for giving random results and pocketing the test fees.”
With faith in ultimate justice and humanity, designer JJ Valaya says, “Miscreants will be dealt the hand of fate when karma comes knocking.
SUNIL SETHI, FDCI CHAIRPERSON
TEN TIMES THE COST OF MEDICINES AND SCRUPULOUS ACTIVITIES AREN’T ACCEPTABLE. THAT SAID, IF THERE’S A BLACK MARKETEER, THERE ARE GOOD SAMARITANS, TOO.
SONALIKA SAHAY, MODEL
THERE ARE PEOPLE LIKE AUTO-RICKSHAW DRIVERS, WHO ARE WORKING RELENTLESSLY TO SAVE LIVES WITH LIMITED RESOURCES. ON THE OTHER HAND, SOME ARE TRYING TO MAKE A QUICK BUCK.
RAHUL MISHRA, DESIGNER
TAKING ADVANTAGE OF SUCH A SITUATION AND HOARDING AND BLACK-MARKETING LIFESAVING DRUGS… PEOPLE NEED TO INTROSPECT.
We have a responsibility to not hoard life-saving medicines and oxygen due to our fear. Our insecurities are costing needy patients their lives.”
On the brighter side, FDCI chairperson, Sunil Sethi, narrates an incident when he was able to procure medicines at a nominal price. “While there’s black market, there are good Samaritans, too, who are coming forward to offer free of cost help. I was fortunate to connect with them. My heart goes out to them,” he ends.